The website opens. But does everything work? Checks we often put off.
Forms, payments, access and backups need checks that a visit to the homepage cannot replace.
“The website works; I opened it this morning.” That is a useful check, but it tells only part of the story. A homepage may load correctly while a form fails to submit, a link leads to the wrong page or a rarely used function has stopped responding. Maintenance also helps uncover these less visible problems.
Let us test the journeys that matter to your business
For a brochure website, the main journey might be requesting a quote. For an online shop, we also need to check the cart, payment and order updates. A private area requires tests of access and permissions.
The check must reach the actual outcome: seeing a “sent” message is not enough. We need to verify that the enquiry was recorded and that the expected notifications reach the correct recipients, using clearly identifiable test data.
Let us update with a recovery plan
Before working on a CMS, extensions or code, I prepare the work according to the project’s characteristics. A backup is useful when we know what it contains, how to restore it and which data might be lost between copies.
Where possible, updates are tested in a separate environment. After release, we check the main functions: compatibility and actual behaviour matter more than a message saying the update completed.
Access is part of maintenance too
Unused accounts, excessive permissions and shared passwords deserve a review. For sensitive access, multifactor authentication and suitable recovery procedures may be appropriate. They reduce some risks without becoming an absolute guarantee.
The frequency of checks depends on how much the website changes and how important it is to the business. A catalogue updated daily has different needs from a small presentation website. Agreeing what is maintained and how problems are reported makes support easier to understand.
Let us discuss the practical details
Would you like to understand which checks your website needs? We can define a maintenance plan suited to the functions you use and their role in your work.